Dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mouse model

A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model was established according to a previously reported method.²¹ In brief, the mice were administered autoclaved drinking water containing 3.5% DSS for 6 days. After that, the DSS water was replaced by normal drinking water. The mice were monitored every 2 days and body weight was recorded. The experimental period was 10 days. At the end of the experimental period, the mice were sacrificed and the colon was collected. Colon length was measured and histopathology examinations were performed. The histopathological evaluation of the specimens was performed by a trained and blinded gastrointestinal (GI) pathologist using the following scoring: Erosion/ulceration: 5–10% (1), 20–30% (2), 40–50% (3), 60–70 (4), 80–90 (5), 100% (6); inflammation severity: minimal (1), mild (2), moderate (3), severe (4), very severe (5); mural involvement: mucosa (1), submucosa (2), tunica muscularis (3), serosa (transmural) (4), transmural reaching mesentery (steatitis) (5); damage distribution:,25% (1); 26–50% (2); 51–75% (3); 75% (4).

For the survival experiment, the mice were administered autoclaved drinking water containing 3.5% DSS for 6 days. After that, the DSS water was replaced by normal drinking water. The observations were performed every 2 days and the survival rate was recorded.